Hortons Bend

stood in the distance in rapt attention at the group. He could make out their small gathering from his distant spot but he could also see that shadows existed in the gloomy murkiness near the river. There appeared to be a gathering that was emerging from the fog and slowly approaching the contesting trespassers below. The group, which he considered his group for some odd reason, seemed to be arguing and completely unaware of the others approaching them.
    Paul Brody was having a small epiphany of his own. This eureka moment was fear based and coming at him fast. Brody couldn’t explain why things were becoming clear since he did not understand what was happening to him. He was no longer concerned about the museum director or the strangers’ commands. His epiphany became déjà vu in a matter of seconds as he watched the group approach. The shadowy figures were carrying torches and it was not a small group. Brody knew it was happening again and there was no way to stop it. Drop the package and run like hell was his first thought but he found himself cemented to the ground. Brody was afraid. The time before had been different. He didn’t have time to think because all he wanted to do was get the hell out of Horton’s Bend. Now he was not sure what to do. A voice from the torch bearing crowd called out to Brody. “Mr. Brody! Do not try to leave. Destiny is upon you.” It was a familiar voice but where had he heard it before? The answer to his question was revealed when he saw Samuel Horton leading a crowd he had tried in vain to forget.
    Jeanie King’s truck came to a screeching halt not far from where Curtis and Ragland had parked. As she slung open the driver’s side door she paid no attention to the fact that her lights were still on. She probably wouldn’t have noticed if the vehicle was still in gear. Her mission was clear and she knew she had to get to Paul Brody right then and not a second later. Jeanie had brought a small flashlight and stuffed it into the rear pocket of her jeans. For an older woman she moved in panther like fashion nimbly crossing the barbed fence. Her deft fingers opened the two strands as though they were made of silk and through them she went in a single movement. From the distance she could see the crowd down below her. Her keen eyes drew upon the man she was seeking. Paul Brody’ s outline was captured by the illumination of those carrying the fiery torches who had now descended upon him. Jeanie raced towards the crowd but was surprised to find a man standing no further than fifty feet from her. Running as briskly as she was, Jeanie had almost slammed into the back of him. The old woman stopped short and slowly walked up to his side.
    Robert Ragland had been so engrossed watching what he assuredly thought was about to be a dangerous situation that he was caught completely off guard. “Oh dear god!” was all that he could mutter as he stumbled and sputtered while almost tripping over his own heels. Jeanie King’s face had a glow about it. Ragland had heard women talk in circles about “glowing” from pregnancy but he had always dismissed it. This woman had an actual aura that he could not deny and she looked so serene. She walked up to his side and put her hand on his shoulder. Without an introduction Jeanie King said, “Robert Ragland. Leave this place and leave it now. Get in the vehicle you came in and never speak of this again.” Ragland stepped back a step and started to speak but the woman spoke again in a whispered voice “Go now Robert. This is not for your eyes.” Ragland was spooked to say the least and looked towards the small assembly in the distance. He looked back at Jeanie King but she was already running in the direction of the disturbance below. Ragland blinked twice in confusion and something told him to obey this strange woman. That something saved Robert Ragland’s life that night.
    Chapter 18
    Paul Brody recognized the familiar attire of Samuel Horton who was wearing the same overalls he wore day in and day out. It did surprise him greatly when the farmer’s wife, Ruby, stepped out from behind him and joined her husband stride for stride. Brody almost smiled when he saw her calico full length dress. He made a step in their direction when his museum director came nose to nose with him. Brody could feel Mrs. Peabody’s hot breath on his face as she began to scream. “Mr. Brody! I want you to know something! You are fired! Do you understand me? You